Steinrück was sitting with a very grave face in his study, reading over the telegram received that morning, when an orderly announced a staff-officer. There was but a small portion of his time that could be given to family affairs: he was constantly interrupted by messages, despatches,--communications of a military nature. He gave orders to admit the officer at once, and Captain Rodenberg entered. The general was painfully affected by this meeting, although he was quite prepared for it. He had, indeed, seen Michael several times on service since he had interfered between him and Raoul, but he had not spoken with him; this was their first interview, and the young officer must be made to feel that he was not forgiven for having repulsed all advances. He found, in fact, only his superior officer, who received him with great coolness. "You have some special information for me?" "No, your Excellency; I come this time upon personal business, and must beg you to grant me a brief interview." Steinrück looked surprised. "Personal business? It must be something extraordinary." He waved his hand and said, laconically, "Go on." "The Countess Marianne Steinrück died last night----" "Have you heard of it already?" the general interrupted him. "From whom? How long since?" "Two hours ago." "How can that be? I have but just received the despatch; no one is aware of its contents, not even my grandson. How should you know of this?" "My old friend and teacher, the pastor of Saint Michael, who, by the Countess's desire, was with her in her last moments, telegraphed to me the intelligence of her death." This declaration seemed still more surprising to the Count. He said, sharply, "This is certainly--strange! What reason could the pastor have for sending you intelligence in which you could not possibly take any interest, even before it was known to the family? The thing seems to me so extraordinary that I must beg you for an explanation." "That is what brings me here. The telegram was sent me at the request of the Countess Hertha." "To you?" "To me." The general changed colour. At last a suspicion of the truth seemed to dawn upon him. He raised his head haughtily. "What does this mean? How do you happen to be on terms of such intimacy with the betrothed of Count Steinrück?"